Monday of our 2nd week saw us heading towards Berchtesgaden, where Hitler had his mountain top retreat, which has long since been reduced to rubble, apparently to prevent it becoming a shrine for neo-Nazis. We stayed in a stellplatz in Bad Reichenhall, which was about 15-20 miles from Berchtesgaden itself, the plan being to drive to Berchtesgaden the following morning and see whatever was left, and then head over the border into Austria.
Tuesday morning, (and for that matter most of Monday night,) was perpetual rain, but we set off undaunted. The climb to Hitler's Lair was steep to say the least, and it was disappointing once we arrived, to discover that the visitor centre/museum was closed for renovation. On any other day, the consolation would be to admire the views from the mountain top, but in the swirling mist, (the rain had eased considerably by then) that wasn't an option. That night we stayed at the stellplatz in Salzburg, which was a nice facility not too far from the centre of the city.
Wednesday dawned sunny and bright, and we headed initially to Burg Hohenwerfen, the castle famously used in the film Where Eagles Dare. This imposing castle looks down upon the town of Werfen, but sadly as it was out of season it was closed! Wednesday evening was spent in a free stellplatz in the village of Veitsch.
Thursday was another sunny day, and the drive through the Austrian valleys with the streams and rivers running alongside the road, coupled with the railway that criss-crossed at every turn made for a very enjoyable drive, one minute the water would be on one side of the road, and around the next turn it would swop sides. Likewise the train would disappear into a hillside tunnel, and then suddenly appear on the other side of the valley. Having crossed the border into Slovakia in the early afternoon, and obtained the all important e-vignette, we spent the night at a campsite co-located with a Pension in Dudince.
The reward for Friday's long drive to Spisska Nova Ves was the view of the snow covered Tatra mountains shining in the bright sunlight. We spent a couple of relaxing days at Levoca and enjoyed some great woodland walks too.
It was time to head back west on Sunday, and cross into Czechia too. We found a great place to stop in Radslavice, which had great facilities at an all-inclusive price of CZK 550, or €22.
Total miles covered since leaving UK: 1,926.
Tuesday morning, (and for that matter most of Monday night,) was perpetual rain, but we set off undaunted. The climb to Hitler's Lair was steep to say the least, and it was disappointing once we arrived, to discover that the visitor centre/museum was closed for renovation. On any other day, the consolation would be to admire the views from the mountain top, but in the swirling mist, (the rain had eased considerably by then) that wasn't an option. That night we stayed at the stellplatz in Salzburg, which was a nice facility not too far from the centre of the city.
Wednesday dawned sunny and bright, and we headed initially to Burg Hohenwerfen, the castle famously used in the film Where Eagles Dare. This imposing castle looks down upon the town of Werfen, but sadly as it was out of season it was closed! Wednesday evening was spent in a free stellplatz in the village of Veitsch.
Thursday was another sunny day, and the drive through the Austrian valleys with the streams and rivers running alongside the road, coupled with the railway that criss-crossed at every turn made for a very enjoyable drive, one minute the water would be on one side of the road, and around the next turn it would swop sides. Likewise the train would disappear into a hillside tunnel, and then suddenly appear on the other side of the valley. Having crossed the border into Slovakia in the early afternoon, and obtained the all important e-vignette, we spent the night at a campsite co-located with a Pension in Dudince.
The reward for Friday's long drive to Spisska Nova Ves was the view of the snow covered Tatra mountains shining in the bright sunlight. We spent a couple of relaxing days at Levoca and enjoyed some great woodland walks too.
It was time to head back west on Sunday, and cross into Czechia too. We found a great place to stop in Radslavice, which had great facilities at an all-inclusive price of CZK 550, or €22.
Total miles covered since leaving UK: 1,926.
- Next page: Week 3
